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Infectious wounds treatment by fly larvae
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F Khoshdel *   , H Yaghoubi , S Ehteshami |
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Abstract: (17514 Views) |
| When modern medicine fails, it is often useful to draw ideas from
ancient treatments. The therapeutic use of fly larvae to debride
necrotic tissue, also known as larval therapy, maggot debridement
therapy or biosurgery, dates back to the beginnings of civilization.
Despite repeatedly falling out of favor largely because of patient
intolerance to the treatment, the practice of larval therapy is
increasing around the world because of its efficacy, safety and
simplicity. Clinical indications for larval treatment are varied, but in
particular, are wounds infected with multi-drug-resistant bacteria
and the presence of significant co-morbidities precluding surgical
intervention. The flies most often used in larval therapy are the
facultative calliphorids, with the greenbottle blowfly (Lucilia sericata)
being the most widely used species. This review summarizes the
fascinating and turbulent history of larval therapy from its origin to
the present day, including mechanisms of action and evidence for
its clinical applications. It also explores future research directions. |
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| Keywords: Larvae, History, Biosurgery, Infectious wound, Maggot therapy |
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Full-Text [PDF 258 kb]
(24578 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Original |
Received: 2012/03/7 | Accepted: 2014/06/3 | Published: 2014/06/3
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